Tutorial for Tools 003 – Scale/Axis Breaks

Using Scale Breaks

Use these scale breaks when the axis in your data-driven chart is broken, e.g., if half of the data is shown as days and half is shown as weeks, place the scale break where the change occurs. The scale break is used on the x axis below, indicating that the units have changed from days to weeks.

Download the framework to a specific location on your computer so you'll be able to find it (the desktop is always a good choice).

Customizing Scale Breaks

Delete the unwanted scale break from the imported framework and overlay the correct scale break (either for a horizontal or vertical axis) over the axis/baseline you wish to break.

Adjust size

If you want to change the size/shape of the PowerFramework, be sure to group it and resize the entire group. Once resized, ungroup to proceed with other customizations.

Color variations

There is a fill field and also line a field in this framework - 2 separate lines. IMPORTANT: You need to select the correct field when formatting. The left-hand example above shows you how the framework will come into your document. You need the fill and the lines to make the framework work. The fill on these breaks is white. If you are using a color background, change the fill to match the background color. Then change the color of the line (which will come in as black) to a color that matches your color scheme. The middle example above shows you how to use the framework with a dark background: the fill is changed to the background color and the lines are made white show the will show up against the background. The third example just shows another color scheme applied to the framework: the fill is light blue and the lines are dark blue.

3D variations, shadows, gradients, animation

Do not add 3D, shadows, or gradients to this framework tool. Animations for data-driven charts cannot be applied unless the chart is ungrouped and the chart elements are broken from the data sheet. Presenting data should be used to enhance the message, perhaps in stages. This framework can be animated as part of that scheme, although it is kind of an advanced animation process.